This gourmet country kitchen's warm honey and walnut glazes enhance the fine craftsmanship of the custom recessed-panel cabinets. Construction and finish were completed by Terry Beeler & Son General Contractor, Inc. (251-4630).

Two New
Countertop Choices
Maintenance-free & Natural
"I am loving a newer manmade quartz material product for countertops from Cambria's Waterstone Collection and Marble Collection," says Kathy Phillipson of Kathy's Kitchen & Bath Design (645-2104). "The variations in pattern, movement and veining have made this the most realistic man-made quartz product I have ever seen." In general, explains Phillipson, more typical quartz materials are well known for being strong, non-porous slabs that can be fabricated like natural stone (granite or marble) for kitchens and baths. But they tend to look too consistent in pattern. While the price range is higher than other quartz, getting the beautiful look of natural stone in a maintenance-free material is the best of both worlds. And, a real bonus: This product is made in the USA!

Recycled Beauty
The popular CaesarStone - a quartz countertop company - has released a new, environmentally-friendly "recycled collection." Dannick Design, Inc. (775-7430) has the collection in their showroom and, as an authorized dealer, boasts incredible pricing on your opportunity to "help the earth one countertop at a time."

DIY Painting at its Prettiest (and Easiest!)
You've torn pages from magazines. Scanned Pinterest. And now you're (sort of) ready to update your home without incurring major cost. Paint is the answer - and, if you're new to DIY, Annie Sloan chalk paint is the even better answer. We love this stuff. There's no prepping, sanding or priming. Just pick a paint surface and get creative. We used Annie Sloan chalk paint to give a vintage finish to an old Lane trunk we scored on Craigslist and friends have used it on walls, kitchen cabinets and more with wonderful results. In addition to creating custom Venetian plaster and faux finishes in SCV homes, Cindi Rowley Designs (904-3185) offers workshops on inspiring ways to use the paint (the company retails a great selection of the paint at the Country Antique Fair Mall on Golden Triangle Road) in case you need ideas. Improving your space doesn't have to be scary, expensive, overwhelming or time consuming!

A. Allbright Painting Chooses SCV Food Pantry for Charity Project
Though the holiday season is past, A. Allbright Painting (294-1159) has just entered the season of giving! Joshua Abramson, founder and president, is pleased to announce that the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry will be this year's recipient of the company's $7,500 Paint It Forward charity event.

During a tough year when many families are struggling, the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry is working hard to serve our community by providing food to the hungry. For 25 years this worthy organization has supplied food to families in need. Staffed by generous volunteers and supported by donations, the SCV Food Pantry distributes more than one million pounds of food per year.

Belinda Crawford, executive director of the Pantry, said, "It means so much to us that Joshua and the folks at A.Allbright are willing to put a fresh new face on our 50-year-old building." With the building currently suffering from chipped and peeling paint, the volunteers are looking forward to a more attractive and welcoming environment for the clients.

Available at Douglas Furniture (255-8366)

Dining & Bedroom Sale is on Now at Douglas Furniture
Right now at Douglas Furniture (255-8366), save on heirloom-quality furniture made up of solid hardwoods like maple, cherry, oak, birch and walnut. Choose high-quality beds with five-point support systems and furniture with superiorly-constructed dovetail drawers and center-support wood glides. You'll also save on a large selection of heirloom-quality solid-wood dining sets with size and finish options. Comfortable, stable and timeless solid-wood chairs are available to fit any room and body type.

Be Wary of Delaying your Carpet Care
How long is too long to wait in-between professional carpet cleanings? When it comes to your carpets, dirt is like sandpaper. Microscopic granules found in typical dirt and dust are abrasive to carpet fibers. This can cause dulling of the luster of the carpet and remove the carpet fiber's soil repellency, making it fertile ground for spots and spills to become permanent. Industry standards recommend that you clean your carpets every six to 18 months, depending on your lifestyle. A Scotchgard application to your carpet can further protect it from staining by creating a protective barrier upon which liquids bead up and are easily removed. Having your carpets cleaned on a regular and ongoing basis will not only save you money in the long run because your carpets will last years longer, but will improve the look of your home and be a healthier place for you and your family to live. CBC Cleaning & Restoration is an IICRC/Clean Trust Certified Firm using truck-mounted hot-water extraction performed by certified technicians. 294-2221 www.cbcfirst.com

A Solar Lease can Save You Money Instantly
No-money-down Offers make Solar for Everyone
You know that solar power is better for the environment. But you may not know that it's better for your wallet, too. Once you see the terms of Solar Universe's (805-777-7477) lease option you'll understand why many SCV homeowners see solar leasing as a "no brainer." Here are some common questions - and answers - about Solar Universe's lease options.

Q: Am I required to provide a down payment?
No. SunCap does not require a down payment, however, you may reduce your monthly payment by making an initial down payment. The choice is yours!

Q: How is my monthly lease payment calculated?
Each lease payment is calculated based on the size of system, taxes, rebate, cost of electricity, implied savings, prepayment amount and estimated production.

Q: Does the lease have any hidden fees?
No. SunCap is designed to provide a comprehensive total cost package that includes guarantees, warranties, monitoring, service and equipment.

Q: Does my solar panel installation come with a performance guarantee?
Yes. SunCap guarantees the system will produce an annual amount of power quoted to you or we will pay you for any deficiencies.

Q: What are the end-of-the-term options?
You may elect to either purchase the system at fair market value or renew the lease for an additional term. If neither we nor you request to have the Solar System removed, then at the end of a 90-day period, you shall become the owner of the Solar System.